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Hybrids reach operating temp before the on-off action commences so no worries there.

The powertrain isn’t new but it isn’t exactly old so how it’ll age is a question. It’s absolutely a step above the past decade of four-cylinders. Whether “fully-resolved” means 200k, 300k+ like Toyotas of yore or “get just a little farther outside the warranty so we don’t get sued again” is a big question mark.

So it’s definitely improved but whether it’ll be a keeper is unknown, or even if the issues show up soon enough to be a concern.

What we do know is that you can’t count on retaining value, they’re still selling well despite the anti-theft and engine issues so I can’t say if they’ve learned their lesson beyond being sued and replacing however many engines.

I’m sure the interior though would be a solid place to be. No squeaks or rattles when I said goodbye to the ol’ Sorento despite what I put it through.

I’d still lean towards paying the premium for a RAV4 Hybrid unless the Sportage is maybe several thousand (USD) less. With Toyota you know they save money on features, the interior, older tech for your dollar but in a Kia? They cut costs wherever. Washer fluid leaks on our Sorentos, basic anti-theft, we have a bunch of AWD clutch replacements here but I could barely find such a chatter for AWD Highlanders, Crosstreks. Etc.

The AWD system in the Sportage Hybrid would definitely be more capable than the rear motor RAV4 Hybrid though if that’s your jam.

But of course whatever you get you’re gonna have to live with for however long you want/are able to so gauge accordingly. A new one I could live with just fine for a few or several years if that’s your plan.

 

[missingcurlybracket]

You gotta go through the “warranty” with a fine comb because you’re paying thousands upfront for an opportunity to have an argument later and even then it might not go long enough to be worth it and/or they may weasel out by requiring specific maintenance records, etc. (they’re profitable overall otherwise they wouldn’t sell it at the price they do)

Also I just found out it isn’t a conventional torque converter automatic in the Sportage Hybrid, there’s a wet-clutch in there (a single clutch it seems?) so that’s a big plus for Toyota/Ford’s stupid simple/reliable eCVT.

But of course if you’re planning on moving on in a decade I’d bet you’ll be fine without any additional coverage.